Our Mission: FoCo ECo was formed in response to a need for environmental advocacy in Fort Collins that is informed, progressive, and inclusive. Specifically, this group will focus on advocacy that is informed by best-available science and sociopolitical context on topics like urban planning and land use, climate change, air and water quality, habitat value and natural areas, and environmental equity. We provide leadership and organizing capacity at the local level to support progressive environmental policies through advocacy, education, political endorsement, and coordination with other progressive organizations.
Our Vision: We view the city of Fort Collins and the surrounding region as a part of one living system in which city form, infrastructure, ecosystems, water resources, and social equity are designed together and integrated. Our vision is a regenerative, nature-positive city that reduces emissions, restores watersheds and habitat, and provides a high quality of life and access to nature for every resident without overburdening our shared natural resources. We envision a Fort Collins where residents are empowered to participate in local leadership and policy making to shape an abundant, inclusive, and resilient future in northern Colorado.
Our Values and Principles:
FoCo ECo formed out of the recognition that modern environmental issues are cross-cutting, wicked problems that require integrated policy approaches. We recognize that climate change and habitat loss are systemic issues that cannot be solved through conservation alone.
Historically, environmental advocacy in our region has focused heavily on preservation and limiting growth. However, as our region grows, an anti-development stance often inadvertently encourages sprawl, increases water consumption, and exacerbates inequality. We believe a new approach is required.
We advocate for a regenerative city model where urban density, transit, and green infrastructure are viewed not as threats to ecosystems, but as essential tools for achieving core environmental goals such as emissions reduction, habitat protection, ecosystem restoration, water conservation, and environmental equity.
Promote urban planning and land-use patterns that provide habitat and access to nature in every neighborhood, regardless of socioeconomic status. Support strong ecological protection outside the urban core, including thoughtful management through the City’s Natural Areas program. Encourage urban habitat enhancements such as native plantings, pollinator gardens, bird-collision mitigation, lights-out initiatives, and similar efforts.
Support strategic increases in urban density and transit-oriented development to enable walkability and bikeability and to reduce sprawl, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and outdoor municipal water use. Support efforts to create accessible natural areas, urban forestry, and small-scale urban agricultural areas within city limits that can reduce impervious surfaces, mitigate urban heat island effects, and increase carbon sequestration.
Exposure to environmental hazards and access to natural areas are not always equally shared in our community, often diverging along socioeconomic lines. We also believe that addressing affordability is important for both equity reasons and to meet emissions goals by allowing Fort Collins residents more choice in where they live, reducing vehicle miles traveled. Important mechanisms for addressing environmental equity issues include urban forestry, Nature in the City, air quality improvements, environmental hazard mitigation, and land use.
Exposure to environmental hazards and access to natural areas are not always equally shared in our community, often diverging along socioeconomic lines. We also believe that addressing affordability is important for both equity reasons and to meet emissions goals by allowing Fort Collins residents more choice in where they live, reducing vehicle miles traveled. Important mechanisms for addressing environmental equity issues include urban forestry, Nature in the City, air quality improvements, environmental hazard mitigation, and land use.
Provide training and education on civic processes and community leadership to prepare the next generation of environmental advocates to become involved in local government and in leadership positions for environmental organizations in Northern Colorado.
Strengthen progressive advocacy in Fort Collins by partnering with local organizations to organize events, provide public education, and advocate for progressive policy positions. Work to build a broad, informed coalition that can be leveraged around key issues as needed, and to foster a sense of community among members.
As a new organization, we're eager to connect with community leaders, organizations, and residents who share our vision for Fort Collins.
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Substack
Deeper dives on priority issues, campaigns, and community engagement efforts.
Team Slack
Want to get involved in organizing with us? Ask us about our Slack channel.